Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education - Preschool South Orange, New Jersey

THE 4’s VIRTUAL TRIP TO ISRAEL - PART ONE
The 4's classes left for Israel on an El Al flight from Newark to Tel Aviv on Monday. After excitedly passing through customs, getting boarding passes, and finding their seats on board their "Virtual Plane" they enjoyed an easy flight complete with a Sesame Street in-flight movie about Tel Aviv. They were served an on board snack served by parent volunteer flight attendants.

Pilot Carol brought the plane down for a smooth landing and everyone deplaned into the Tel Aviv airport, money in hand, to buy souvenirs and to take wonderful group pictures in front of the "Welcome to Israel" murals created by our own Sandy Faust (thanks so much). They had an opportunity to squeeze Israeli oranges to quench their thirst after their long flight. DuringDrama with Lynne, the children listened to the story Snow in Jerusalem, our PJ Library book of the month.This book is a wonderful story about children from diverse backgrounds who were jointly caring for a cat. If you would like to borrow this book, we have extra copies in the school. This book did a great job preparing the children for their Tuesday visit to Jerusalem.

After a good night sleep at their own homes (we always have to reassure them that this is pretend), the children (yeladim) boarded imaginary buses which brought them to Jerusalem, the city of Gold. There they learned that Jerusalem is both a new and an old city with a very diverse population. After looking at pictures of the Kotel, the last remaining wall of the Temple, the children had a chance to create walls in a variety of ways: at one station they created lego walls, at another station they made paper bricks which were attached to a mural complete with their individual wishes, and finally they created a collage of the City of Gold. Our cooking teacher Arlene taught the children how to make hummus by mashing chick peas and adding some garlic and oil. The children were able to choose pita or carrots to enjoy their home made treat before boarding the bus for their trip back to their pretend hotel.

Equipped with sun hats, sunglasses, and bottles of water, we are off to explore the Negev Desert and go fishing at the beaches of Eilat. Wait until next week to find out about the rest of our trip, pictures will be posted on Activit-e.

I would also like to thank all of our parent volunteers, the children loved seeing you here, and we could not have done this without you.
Shalom, Linda
THE 4’s VIRTUAL TRIP TO ISRAEL - PART TWO
After last Tuesday's trip to Jerusalem, the children were ready for their long trip to the Southern tip of Israel – the resort city of Eilat. On the way they stopped at the Dead Sea, noticing that nothing grows or lives in the very salty water. The children looked at pictures of people slathering the mud from the Dead Sea on their bodies (it is believed to be medicinal) and had a great discussion on MUD. They were amazed at the idea that nothing sinks in the Dead Sea – you can just lay on the water and read a book (just know that showers are a necessity)!!! We also discussed the flower farms we passed on the way, and they made wonderful potpourri out of dried roses, dried orange rind and cinnamon sticks, all things that grow in Israel. While in Eilat we went fishing and actually caught our own fish!!

Next we were onto the Negev Desert where the children visited with a Bedouin. She invited the children into her tent, the children hesitantly approached her, as they didn’t realize it was Lynne, our Drama teacher. Lynne told a wonderful story about children lost in the desert, complete with sand storm and dancing followed by a snack of dried grapes (raisins). Thirsty from the arid climate, children were given water bottles as they boarded the 'bus' for the 'hotel'. It was another really fun day in Israel!

On Wednesday we rode back to Tel Aviv where we met Cantor Finn who read one of our favorite books, Good Night Moon, in Hebrew while Carol read it, page by page, in English. We discovered that the book pages turn differently and that the writing is different as well, even though the story and pictures remain the same.

We then joined Miss Melissa for Israeli Dancing – each class performing a different dance!! After mailing our post cards home, we went into a “café” where parent volunteers had the makings for a Sabra sandwich ready to go. A Sabra is the nickname for a native born Israeli and it is also the name of the cactus pear; prickly on the outside but sweet on the inside. Everyone enjoyed shmearing the combination of sweet chocolate spread and tart orange marmalade onto a pita. They then added raisins and apple slices to make faces or designs of their choosing. It was some messy fun. Luckily we remembered the wipes!

Finally we boarded the plane for home, during which we watched a video created by Carol from all of the pictures taken during our trip. The children enjoyed seeing pictures of themselves and all of the fun activities in which they participated! After we landed we were all very tired but so very excited about this beautiful country Israel. Taking a trip with 45 4-year-olds is exhausting, but very worthwhile.

This wonderful trip could not have happened without the help of the many volunteers! We would like to thank those who helped at every station, and the fours teachers who kept the children involved and excited about all that was happening.

A Todah Rabah (thanks!!) to each and everyone. -Linda

News...

2011-02-16T10:13:00.005-05:00

The Virtual Trip to Israel

An e-mail from a parent who volunteered during our trip:

"I just wanted to let you guys know how much I enjoyed watching the class today during their Israel trip. It is always so much fun as a parent to get a glimpse into the school day about which I hear bits and pieces. Julia has been talking about the trip all week and even convinced me to dig out my Israel photo album (from when I was age 15 and traveled there with my family).

Over the past 2 1/2 years, there have been several occasions that reaffirmed my decision to send both of my kids to TSTI, and today was one of them. The creativity, warmth and intelligence that runs through the school is just wonderful. I apologize for not saying this more but thank you for taking such great care of Julia and the other children!!"

To read about the final days in Israel, click here for Linda's description, and be sure to check out all of the pictures Activit-e.

Dear Parents,

We are sure everyone is so thrilled that the weather is starting to get warmer and hopefully all of the bad snow storms are done for the year. We have had a couple of Enrichment Cancellations due to the weather and would like to schedule our make-up classes.

We are looking to schedule to the make up classes the week we return from break, so please look for a separate email regarding your missed classes.

Our Spring Enrichment classes begin the week of March 14th.

Don't forget to join us this Saturday morning for Shabbat Storytime, please RSVP so that we have enough pretzel dough for everyone!

We hope you have a wonderful February break and that the current warmer weather brings us right into Spring!

Warmly,
Carol & Andrea

Upcoming...

2011-02-16T10:13:00.003-05:00

Upcoming Dates

February 19th
Shabbat Storytime

February 18th
Enrichment & Toddler Time Ends

February 21st - 25th
NO SCHOOL
Winter Recess

February 23rd
Food Pantry
9:15-11:00am

February 28th-March 4th
Enrichment Make-up Classes
More info to follow

March 2nd

For a full calendar of events, please click HERE

Tikkun Olam- Fixing the world

2011-02-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

We are looking for

parent volunteers on

Wednesday, February 23rd

from 9:15-11:00 am at the

Interfaith Food Pantry

of the Oranges - at the

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany on Main Street in Orange

If you would like to volunteer please email Janet Schwamm at jschwamm@gmail.com

Preschool Board Bulletin

2011-02-16T10:12:00.002-05:00

Pajama Drive 2011

Just a friendly reminder that we are collecting pajamas all week for our pajama drive.

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Spring Fling 2011 Please mark your calendars for the Spring Fling on May 14^th, at 7:30 pm. Join your preschool community for a special child free night out! Come taste some delicious appetizers and dessert. Laugh at our live auction of "Kids Class Art" and bid on our silent auction items. This is our big fundraiser of the year so please come and support the school.

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TSTI Is Going Motown!

Save the date for our Mid-Winter Temple Event Saturday, March 5th - click here for more info.

2011-02-02T09:28:00.001-05:00

Dear Parents,

Spring Enrichment and Camp Registration will begin next week. The forms will go home in the backpacks and uploaded onto Activit-e on Monday and be in the newsletter next Wednesday.

We are hoping the registration for our warm weather activities might stop the snow and actually bring on the warmer weather!!

Warmly,

Carol & Andrea

2011-02-02T09:27:00.004-05:00

Carol Paster, Dedicated Volunteer wears multiple Habitat Newark hats.

Many in South Orange and Maplewood only know Carol Paster as the Director of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education, a local pre-school, but among Habitat for Humanity Newark's (HFHN) leaders Carol stands apart for the many

ways she works to help provide affordable housing for families in need.

Carol is the co-chair of the HFHN Women Build group which has worked tirelessly to raise the money to sponsor and build three homes under the Women Build name. Through planning, community presentations, fundraising events, pin sales and more Carol has championed the cause. But above and beyond the behind the scenes work Carol is an avid onsite volunteer, often seen sporting her hard hat and pink work boots, pink hammer in hand.

In every role, Carol's sparkling humor and compassion for others helps make the work of the day fun and rewarding. Carol also serves as a member of the Board of Directors, serving as the Board's Secretary At the Iris Family Center preschool Carol has developed a unique program dubbed "Carol the Carpenter" where the young students learn about charity for others, use real tools to learn basic skills, and donate to Habitat Newark.

Article obtained from Habitat For Humanity Newark - The ToolBox Newsletter - Winter 2011

Spring Fling

2011-02-02T09:27:00.001-05:00

Spring Fling 2011

Please mark your calendars for the Spring Fling on May 14^th, at 7:30 pm. Join your preschool community for a special child free night out! Come taste some delicious appetizers and dessert. Laugh at our live auction of "Kids Class Art" and bid on our silent auction items. This is our big fundraiser of the year so please come and support the school.

************

TSTI Is Going Motown!

Save the date for our Mid-Winter Temple Event Saturday, March 5th - click here for more info.

2011-02-02T09:26:00.002-05:00

As a Jewish Congregation we have been requested to remind you that we do not celebrate Valentine's Day. Please do not send in cards or candies to be distributed in school. Thanks for your understanding.

Upcoming Dates

2011-02-02T09:26:00.000-05:00

Upcoming Dates

February 7th-10th
4's Virtual Trip to Israel

February 14th - 15th
Pancake Pajama Days

February 19th
Shabbat Storytime

February 18th
Enrichment & Toddler Time Ends

February 21st - 25th
NO SCHOOL
Winter Recess

For a full calendar of events, please click HERE

Birthdays

2011-02-02T09:22:00.003-05:00

Peer Support Groups

2011-02-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

2009-11-11T16:35:00.003-05:00

MINI MONET with Susan & Ellen

As a group, we have been exploring the question; what is art? We have looked at art during the first half of classes in many ways. Keeping in mind that the process of creating art is always more important to your child than the end product, we and the children jumped into learning about basic art techniques through the eyes and hands of early man, including the Native American. We combined ancient traditions like using natural dyes from nature to paint with, followed with the more modern approach of reading Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh and dipping paper (!) mice in liquid watercolors, to discover the rainbow of colors around us.
The more we worked and looked, the more we began to see that art is all around us and can be anything we create. A favorite project of the group sprang from a discussion of the book Cave Boy. Cave Boy tried to make something never seen before out of a rock. Our class decided to make a classroom chair into something never seen before. We excitedly covered it with tape and torn pieces of paper creating "stink bug the chair". The kids ask about stink bug every class and are filled with pride that stink bug is on display in Carol's office.
Do you know what is the best part about making beads with young children? Not only do they love using the clay-like materials, they also absolutely love sitting with each other schmoozing about their art. Here is one brief glimpse of the chit chat we overheard: "Isn't your necklace a little long?" Or "I love the colors you used, I want to do that too!" And best of all, "I'm going to give this to my sister!"
As our final project for this unit we made dreamcatchers, which stop the bad dreams in the weavings and let the good dreams through. Dreams are frightening to Native Americans as well as children. The group practiced their fine motor skills sewing their projects as they discussed dreams. Who knew that some of your children declared they have no dreams at all, while others only have good dreams!

In the remaining weeks to come, we will explore Egypt, the Renaissance, Impressionists and Modern Art; an ambitious undertaking, but definitely fun-filled.

-Susan & Ellen

2009-11-11T16:35:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive
Saturday, November 21st, 9:00-2:00
TSTI front circular driveway
Drop off: Frozen (never thawed) turkey's, non-perishable groceries.
(You may drop off frozen turkey's in the kitchen freezer before Saturday morning if it is more convenient.)
To benefit: Community Food Bank of New Jersey

The Iris Family Center is collecting non-perishable groceries in conjunction with this Temple-wide effort. We want to take this opportunity to teach a lesson about Tzedakah (charity).
Please take a family trip to the grocery store or your own cupboards and have your child choose a favorite food to give to someone in need. Send in the can or box of food in your child's backpack during the week of November 16th-21st.

(YOU CAN BRING YOUR CHILD(REN) TO SHABBAT STORY TIME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GIVING TO OTHERS - SEE FYLER IN OUR QUICK LINKS)

2009-11-11T16:34:00.003-05:00

Hello, from the Preschool Board!

Shop Sharey is almost here! Please join us on November 19th, 7-10 pm for a fun night of shopping, raffles and our silent auction. This is a great opportunity to get started on your holiday shopping while relaxing with friends. Come enjoy dessert and wine. Sell you gold for cash and use this found money for shopping! Make sure to check out our silent auction items and raffles. 100% of the auction and raffle proceeds will be directly donated to the preschool!

Local merchants and business owners have been incredibly generous and we have over $11,000 in donated goods and services that we will be raffling/auctioning off. We have over 40 raffles to win including free dinners, classes, merchandise and gift certificates from local businesses.

Here is a sample some of the 20 Silent Auction Items:
-$2000 off each enrolled child at Camp Horizons (each child in that family would get $2000 off!) www.camphorizons.com

-Portrait Photography Package from Saving Grace Photography -valued at $760 www.savinggracephotography.com

-Home Enhancement Package (includes gift certificates for Wilbur's Painting, Stacey Cohen Interior Design, and Shed Home) -valued at $770 www.staceycoheninteriordesign.com

-Healthy Food for Young Children Cooking Class for 5 Adults-valued at $325 www.consciousplate.com

-Complete Birthday Party Package-valued at $425 (includes pizza, cupcakes, 2 TSTI teachers, craft activity, and 50% of a magician)

We hope you can join us for the exciting event!

2009-11-11T16:34:00.001-05:00

Midnight Run

Help our teens bring clothing and dignity to the homeless in NYC!!

Items still needed:

*New Mens & Womens Underwear - Size Large and XL

*New Warm Winter Socks for Adults

There is a bin outside of Carol's office for collection.

The teens will be going into the city on November 14, 2009 so please donate by November 13, 2009. Thank you so much for your support!

2009-11-11T16:33:00.001-05:00

Zerach The Scribe Visits the Preschool

The children who attended school this Wednesday had the opportunity to meet Zerach Greenfield the Scribe, who is involved with writing the Torah for Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's new chapel. He explained how a Torah is made from fur to parchment, how quills are made from turkey feather to pens, and how the ink is made. Zerach showed the children the pieces of parchment that has already started working on for our Torah. Each child then told Zerach their names and he wrote the first letter of each of their names in Hebrew. The children also had the opportunity to try to write with quills on their own, they realized how difficult it is to be a scribe. Pictures will be linked in the next newsletter.

Warmly,

Linda Adelsohn, Judaic Program Coordinator

2009-11-11T16:32:00.002-05:00

Dear Parents,

We know that H1N1 is something that is on everyone's minds these days. As a school we encourage you to take every precaution from teaching your child to sneeze in their elbow, to frequent hand washing, and keeping them home when they are sick.

While we don't send home for every cough and sneeze, we are certainly are keeping a close eye on your children for illness. We would really appreciate you taking the same precaution in keeping your child home if they are not well. We cannot prevent everything, but if your child has a green runny nose (which indicates virus/infection), they are most likely contagious and should not be in school.

Below you will find an article about the swine flu and if you click the link there are suggestions on how to prevent the spread of germs. Please know that if and when we get a confirmed case of H1N1 we will send a notice home to the parents. As of right now, we have a confirmed seasonal flu case, and many children with colds, coughs, and flu like symptoms.

Warmly,

Carol & Andrea

Swine Flu Update:

On October 24, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring swine flu a national emergency. To help early childhood programs react to this epidemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated (as of October 21) its guidelines for early childhood programs. These guidelines offer detailed advice on the following recommendations.

*Get vaccinated against the flu;
*Stay home when sick;
*Conduct daily health checks;
*Separate ill children and staff;
*Encourage hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette;
*Perform routine environmental cleaning;
*Encourage early treatment;
*Consider selective early childhood program closures.

For more information on preventing H1N1 please click HERE

2009-10-22T00:41:00.001-04:00

Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!

2009-10-22T00:40:00.001-04:00

Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!

2009-06-13T20:27:00.002-04:00